Disability Focus and Disability Together announce plans to merge, strengthening support for Disabled people across Devon.

Disability Focus and Disability Together have today announced plans to merge, bringing together decades of experience, expertise and reach to provide an even stronger voice and service offer for disabled people across Devon.

Under the proposed merger, Disability Focus will join Disability Together, with the combined organisation continuing to operate under the Disability Together name. The merger is expected to complete at the end of September 2026, subject to final governance approvals from both boards.

The two charities have a long history of working closely together across the county, and both organisations agree that joining forces will allow them to do more for the people they support – building a larger, more resilient charity with the scale, skills and financial sustainability needed to meet growing demand at a time when funding for the sector remains under significant pressure.

Established in 2007, Disability Focus supports disabled people across Devon to live independently, helping them manage Direct Payments and Personal Health Budgets through impartial advice, payroll and managed account services; support with becoming an employer, and appointeeship support for those who need help managing their benefits and finances. Taking this expertise into Disability Together will strengthen the combined charity’s ability to support people not just with day-to-day living, but with the practical and financial tools that underpin real independence; complementing Disability Together’s existing services and creating a more comprehensive, offer for disabled people across the county.

Disability Focus services will continue to operate as before, with no interruption or change of service for the people who rely on it. All Disability Focus staff will transfer to Disability Together.

Janet Stackhouse, Chief Executive of Disability Focus, has played a vital role in steering the organisation through this period and ensuring a smooth and positive transition, and will be stepping down once the merger completes, with the thanks and best wishes of both Boards.
Following the merger, the combined charity will be led by Stephanie Lewis, who continues as Chief Executive of Disability Together.

Janet Stackhouse, Chief Executive of Disability Focus, said:

“Disability Together share our values and our commitment to putting Disabled people at the heart of everything we do. Joining a larger organisation means we can safeguard and grow the service we provide, while giving our staff and the people we support real confidence in the future. I’ve been proud to lead Disability Focus through this period, and I’m reassured to be handing things over knowing the organisation, our staff and the people we support are in such good hands with the Disability Together team.”

Therese Timberlake, Chair of Trustees at Disability Focus, said:

“Our trustees considered the merger with Disability Together very carefully, and we’re confident it’s a positive decision for Disability Focus, our staff and the people we support. Disability Together is a charity that shares our values and our determination to ensure disabled people continue to be placed at the centre of their support, thereby securing the long-term future of the personalised services we have built for disabled people in the Devon area. I’d like to thank our staff and Janet for their dedication, and I’m confident we are leaving the organisation in very good hands.”

Stephanie Lewis, Chief Executive of Disability Together, said:

“This is a really positive step for both organisations, and most importantly, for the disabled people and families we support across Devon. By joining forces with Disability Focus, we’ll be able to offer a wider range of support, share expertise, and build a stronger, more sustainable charity for the long term. I’m delighted to welcome the Disability Focus team and look forward to working together.”

Tina Naldrett, Chair of Trustees at Disability Together, added:

“Both boards have worked closely together to ensure this merger is in the best interests of the people we serve and our staff. We’re confident that a combined Disability Together will be a stronger, more resilient organisation, better equipped to respond to the needs of disabled people in Devon now and in the future. Thanks to the Disability Together team for all their work in preparing for this Merger of our two likeminded Charities.”

A further update will be issued once the merger has completed.

There will be no immediate changes to how people access support, and both charities will continue to operate as usual during the transition period. Staff, service users, funders and partners will be kept informed and engaged throughout the process, and a dedicated point of contact is available for any questions (See below)

Janet.Stackhouse@DisabilityFocus.org.uk

Telephone: 01803 867968